Joyrider,
If what he told you is true, then it is impossible for him for hold a FAA PPL. You're required to have 10 hours solo time; solo time defined as being the sole occupant of the aircraft. Of that 10 hours, 3 hours needs to be x-c, with one flight greater than 100nm and landing at 3 points.
Supervised solo usually means instructor went up with student for first pattern(circuit), then instructor gets out of helo and watches student do 3 or 4 more on his own. Supervised solos are only done once or twice, then students are set free, with the only requirement being they get an endorsement from instructor before going x-c.